While the holidays in December make it the most wonderful time of the year, it is important to take the necessary precautions to keep your home and family safe. Hold down the fort this holiday season and give yourself some peace of mind with these six tips!
Keep Any Travel Plans Private
If your holiday season requires traveling to visit and spend time with family, keep your travel plans off your social media networks. Posting where you are going, when you are leaving, or when you will be back is prime information for a thief, informing them when your house will be empty.
Ask Your Neighbors for Help
If you have a trusted neighbor nearby, let them know if you are planning to go out of town during the holiday season. They can keep an eye on your house, pick up your mail, and report any suspicious activity while you are gone.
Hide Your Gifts
It is hard enough to hide gifts from children during the holidays, but have you also considered potential burglars? Wrapping gifts and placing them under your tree can be a visual invitation for a burglar. When you are not home, they can quickly break through a window and grab all your gifts. Avoid this by positioning your tree away from windows or other highly visible areas in your home.
Inspect Your Holiday Lights
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, December is the worst month for electrical fires. Prevent any accidental holiday fires by inspecting your string lights for any frayed cords or damaged lamps before putting them on your house or tree. Also, turn any holiday lights off when you go out for the evening or when you go to bed. Try using an outdoor timer or smart outlet to switch lights on and off.
Invest in Home Security
With new advances in technology today, home security does not have to have an extravagant cost. New home automation devices controlled by a tablet, computer or smartphone allow you transform and tailor your home into a smart, secure home. Whether it is sensors, cameras, locks, or light switches, there are a wide variety of devices available in the market today that can be customized to your needs and budget.
Inspect the Furnace and the Chimney
Heating-equipment, like furnaces and fireplaces, cause many deaths every year in the United States. Take the time to have a professional inspect your furnace, clean out air ducts, and sweep the chimney.
The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year, if you and your loved ones stay safe. Be sure to take the precautions you need to fully enjoy the season!
